2004 Eastern Conference Finals Game 6 vs Nets
The underdog Pistons stunned the star-studded Lakers in a five-game Finals sweep.
The 2004 NBA Finals was the championship round of the NBA's 2003–04 season, contested between the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers and the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons. The Pistons won the series in five games, marking their third NBA championship and first since 1990.
- Event
- 2004 Eastern Conference Finals, Game 6
- Winner
- Detroit Pistons
- Series Result
- Pistons win series 4-2
- Location
- The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
- Key Moment
- Chauncey Billups' clutch performance and team defense
- Next Stage
- NBA Finals vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Lore & Background
The Pistons overcame the defending conference champion New Jersey Nets in the Eastern Conference semifinals. After splitting the first four games, the Nets won Game 5 in Detroit in triple overtime to take a 3–2 series lead. The Pistons stormed back in Game 6, falling behind by 12 early before winning 81–75 to force a seventh game. In Game 7, the Pistons never trailed after the midway point of the first quarter and cruised to a 90–69 win.
In Their Own Story
The air inside The Palace was thick with anticipation, a palpable tension that seemed to vibrate off the hardwood. As the clock wound down in the fourth quarter, every Pistons player moved with a singular purpose, their eyes locked on the rim while their bodies formed an impenetrable wall against New Jersey's offense.
Reader's Guide
The series was played under a 2–3–2 site format. The Pistons became the fourth team to sweep the middle three games since the NBA started using that format in 1985, and the first to do so at home.
Did You Know?
- The Pistons held five consecutive opponents under 70 points during the regular season, an NBA first.
- Pistons owner William Davidson became the first owner in American sports history to win two championships in one calendar year, as his Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup eight days earlier.
- As of 2026, this is the most recent major professional sports championship won by a Detroit-based team at their home venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals Game 6?
The Detroit Pistons defeated the New Jersey Nets to win the series four games to two. This result sent them to the championship round, ending a sixteen-year gap since their last trip there.
When and where did this pivotal matchup occur?
The contest took place on May 16, 2004, at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan. It served as the decisive home game for Detroit to close out the series against New Jersey.
Which player is credited with the clutch performance?
Point guard Chauncey Billups delivered a legendary clutch effort to lead his team during critical moments. His leadership alongside the squad's defensive intensity sealed the victory for Detroit.
Why is this game considered iconic in Pistons history?
It eliminated the heavily favored Nets and propelled the underdog Pistons toward a championship run. This victory highlighted how Detroit's team-first approach successfully neutralized New Jersey's individual talent.
What was the next stage after this series victory?
Following this elimination, Detroit advanced to face the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. They ultimately went on to win the championship that year.
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